Statement Regarding ALDF et. al. v. USDA et. al.
Contact: media@aldf.org
Regarding the case, Animal Legal Defense Fund et. al. v. USDA et. al., the Animal Legal Defense Fund is gratified that the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California held that the organization had standing to bring its suit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regarding foie gras, a cruel and diseased duck liver product.
Specifically, the court recognized the ability of nonprofit organizations including the Animal Legal Defense Fund, whose work is impeded by the availability of this unnecessary luxury item, to sue in order to counter the government’s sanctioning of the product for human consumption.
However, the court did not set aside the USDA’s decision to reject the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s rulemaking petition regarding foie gras. Instead, the court held that the agency acted reasonably and its position towards foie gras should be afforded deference.
“The Animal Legal Defense Fund is disappointed in this outcome, and we are exploring our options going forward,” says Animal Legal Defense Fund Executive Director Stephen Wells. “We see no principled basis for the USDA to treat this diseased organ any differently than it treats other such dangerous products.”
Related
-
Legal Petition Urges USDA to Adopt Comprehensive Regulatory Framework for Wildlife Services Program
The Animal Legal Defense Fund, as part of a coalition, submitted a petition for rulemaking to the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service urging Wildlife Services to phase out lethal control of wild animals, including prohibiting specific practices such as neck snares, M-44 cyanide bombs, lead bullets, and more.November 21, 2023 Press Release -
USDA Restricting Access to Plant-Based Milks in National School Lunch Program is Dietary Racism
Proposed rule would maintain an unnecessarily complicated and confusing process for children to get access to plant-based milkMay 11, 2023 Press Release -
Animal Legal Defense Fund Urges USDA to Strengthen Regulations for Handling and Exhibiting Wild and Exotic Animals
Recommendations aim to decrease risk of zoonotic disease spread, animal escapes and attacks, and psychological and physical harm to the animalsApril 11, 2023 Press Release
